Vol. 10, Issue 11, Part G (2025)

Author(s): Sushmita Tiwari, Anjani Kumar Mishra, Upendra S Narwaria, Anil Ku Singh, Brijesh Ku Ojha, Sulochana Sen and Sumat Ku Shakya

Abstract: Pig farming is considered an essential component of the livestock sector, and pork is a significant trade commodity globally. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global pork production reached 97 million metric tons in 2020. In India, an estimated half a million people are involved in Pig farming. It is more concentrated in certain states of the country, including Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. According to the 20th Livestock Census, the total pig population in the country is 9.06 million, which accounts for 1.7% of the total livestock population. Several studies have been conducted to enhance the growth performance of grower pigs through the use of various feed additives. The different feed additives added to pig feed include enzymes, antioxidants, antibiotics, prebiotics, and probiotics. Probiotic is added to increase the population of beneficial microorganisms, such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. These healthy bacterial colonies then inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms by producing substances (e.g., bacteriocins and/or organic acids). Probiotic feed additives stimulate antibody production, thereby naturally boosting the immune system. So, probiotics are given in all different stages of growth of pigs (Pre-weaning, post-weaning, and in Reproduction). It boosted the immune response, and Hematological indices and gut microbiota balance improved, with higher Lactobacillus counts in the supplemented groups.

DOI: 10.22271/veterinary.2025.v10.i11g.2761